Hamilton’s own basketball icon Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has taken a significant step in investing in the city that helped shape his career, joining the ownership group of TD Coliseum, the newly revitalized arena at the heart of downtown Hamilton.

The 27-year-old NBA champion and reigning Most Valuable Player with the Oklahoma City Thunder this week announced the investment alongside arena developer Oak View Group, reinforcing his commitment to Hamilton’s economic and cultural growth. Financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed.

“Becoming part of the ownership group at TD Coliseum is really personal for me,” Gilgeous-Alexander said in a statement.

“Growing up in Hamilton shaped who I am, so having the opportunity to help build something special in my hometown means everything.”

The partnership includes the naming of the Ares Atrium inside the venue as a tribute to his son, symbolizing a personal link between the investment and his family roots. Gilgeous-Alexander has also expressed a vision for the arena as more than just a sports destination, hoping it will draw major music acts and world-class live entertainment to the city.

Oak View Group’s Chief Executive Officer Chris Granger welcomed the star’s involvement, saying that his participation reflects a shared commitment to Hamilton’s future.

“We are excited to welcome Shai and his family to the TD Coliseum team,” Granger said, noting the mutual effort to position the venue as a premier destination for both sports and cultural events.

The 18,000-seat TD Coliseum, formerly known as Copps Coliseum and later FirstOntario Centre, underwent a roughly $300-million renovation, reopening in November 2025 with a Paul McCartney concert and a slate of high-profile events.

Gilgeous-Alexander’s decision to invest follows a year in which he was honoured by Hamilton, receiving the key to the city and having a street renamed after him in recognition of his NBA championship and MVP honours.

Local business and community leaders say his involvement could have ripple effects for Hamilton’s broader entertainment economy and civic pride, especially as the revitalized arena prepares to host major concerts, family shows, and sporting events.

This latest move underscores Gilgeous-Alexander’s continuing ties to Hamilton and his interest in giving back to the community that has cheered him on from his earliest days on neighbourhood courts.

  Hamilton